Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Barrell Whiskey Batch 001

http://adrinkwithforrest.blogspot.com/2015/03/barrell-whiskey-batch-001.html
Wow, this is tasty Whiskey!
The only reason this is listed as "Whiskey" instead of "Bourbon" is because it was aged in used barrels. Still this stuff is fantastic (see, I have the empty bottle for proof!).

I had gone through a couple of tastings, made some notes and then proceeded to write some proper tasting notes. So at this point in my process, I usually check out other write-ups just to compare, make sure I am adding something new or some insights. I came across this on their website, https://www.barrellbourbon.com/barrell-bourbon/batch-001/ and I was flummoxed. That didn't sound at all like what I was tasting?
So I grabbed my bottle (the one pictured) and immediately saw the difference. I should have actually been reading this: https://www.barrellbourbon.com/barrell-whiskey/batch-001/.
Now that was more like it. As a matter of fact, those tasting notes freaking nailed it! Those notes were so close to mine that I am not even going to add anything to them. (They were written by my good friend Warren Bobrow .
One correction though: "The mash is a mix of corn, rye, and malted barley. Akin to a “Vatted Malt,” no neutral grain spirit is added." This statement is kind of confusing. "Vatted Malt" is a term used by Scotch makers to connote a blend of multiple single malts from various distilleries. This whiskey is made from "Small Batch" of barrels that were married together after aging (I would guess around 10 barrels--which is a very small batch). The mash bill they were distilled from is basically the same as bourbon, but it can't be called bourbon unless it is aged in new American oak (this was aged in used American oak).
So all in all-Wonderful whiskey. Lively, fresh rich flavors, great price point, limited availability. Go for it!